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Thursday, May 17, 2012

Baby toys are always fun to make and give, even more so when they have a personal touch. Adding a special message of love makes them even better! By using this American Sign Language alphabet print by Samarra Khaja these baby blocks actually spell out

L-O-V-E:

Her Braille print alphabet fabric shows each English letter in a digital-looking font, and its Braille dot equivalent, in the same color to also spell love in another way on each block:

I also loved her coordinating balloon animal print and matching stripe print, so I used those for the alternating sides. You could use any fun prints to make these blocks, but using these adds a little extra educational flair:) Spell "Love" or the child's name for a unique & personal gift. Ready to make some? Here's how -

First cut twenty-four (24) 4.25in x 4.25in squares from the fabrics and from the Fusible Fleece. Cut two squares of the fun prints for each block and a single letter block each of the Braille and the ASL prints (making sure to center each block on each chosen letter):

Next fuse the wrong side of a square of Fusible Fleece to the wrong side of each fabric square using an iron and damp press cloth. By using Fusible Fleece interfacing these blocks will hold a firmer shape and last longer than just using plain fabric (which is what is needed with an item meant for a busy baby!).

Arrange the blocks in the following order so the letter prints and decorative prints alternate. I also made sure that the ASL letter and Braille letter was the same for each block so it would be easy for anyone to identify which block was which letter.

Then, starting at one end of the horizontal part of the "+" shape, and with right sides facing, sew together two block sides with a .25in seam allowance, starting and stopping .25in from the edge (this will make it easier to make the corners pointed later):

Next sew on the top and bottom as shown:

Then complete remaining side seams to complete the block (leaving a 2in gap on one side for turning the block right side out), making sure the seam cross at the corners:

The block should look like this when ready to turn:

Clip each corner as shown and turn right side out, using a knitting needle or pencil to gently poke out the corners.

Stuff with fiberfill until nice and full. Hand stitch the opening closed with a slipstitch.

Repeat with the remaining blocks:
And get ready to share the love with baby!

These are so cute! I just might have to bring out the old sewing machine and try making these for our newest addition... she's not ready for them quite yet, but she will be soon... plus her big sister would probably love tossing these around the house.

I'd love it if you'd come by and share at my new link party, Off the Hook:http://daisycottagedesigns.blogspot.com/2012/05/introducing-off-hook-1.html#comment-form

I love the balloon animal fabric - it is so neat! My baby would love these soft blocks... I'd love for you to link up this tuorial to my new link party: http://naptimedelights.blogspot.ca/2012/05/document.html

These are adorable! I love the sides with the little balloon dogs! Thanks for linking up with me for Friday Favorites! I'm featuring you this week! come by and grab my featured button if you'd like one.

These are too cute. My cousin is expecting and I bet I can get them done before the little one turns 1. It takes me forever to get stuff right when I use a sewing machine. :) Thanks so much for sharing on Tout It Tuesday.

Hello! I am Selina, Deaf Blogger from Malaysia. I found your cute sign language from Google! I fell love with your craft design, "LOVE", so I like to buy it from you! How much price? Please email me at ooiselina [at]gmail.com